Bangladesh, Sept. 30 -- The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) said flight recorder data showed brake pedal movement at the left pilot's seat, followed by brake activation shortly after the takeoff roll began. A second braking event from the left-seat pedals occurred shortly before the crew raised the nose.

The BFU has not determined whether pilot action or a technical malfunction caused the inputs. Investigators have retained brake-system components and other parts of the aircraft for examination.

The aircraft was departing Munich for Hanoi on August 15, carrying 271 passengers, 12 cabin crew, and four pilots. Nobody was injured, but the jet sustained substantial damage.

During the takeoff roll, the indica...